Bedbug-infested DOC hut on Rakiura Track to close for refit
For weeks trampers have been struggling to ‘‘sleep tight’’ at a Department of Conservation hut on Stewart Island/Rakiura thanks to an infestation of the ‘‘toughest bedbugs known to mankind’’.
But the unwanted guests’ days may finally be numbered.
Complaints about the North Arm Hut on the Rakiura Track started in February. Despite five treatments at the 24-bunk hut to clear the infestation, the egglaying invaders have continued to make their presence felt.
DOC has decided to close the hut for just over a week, from May 25 to June 3, for a full refit.
DOC Rakiura operations manager Ren Leppens said the problem had left rangers scratching their heads.
‘‘Either these are the toughest bedbugs known to mankind or they are hitching in from other places on people’s gear,’’ he said.
There were usually reports of small infestations on the island once every four or five years, Leppens said.
‘‘Bedbugs aren’t typically a problem on the island. They’re master hitchhikers, and given the huge increase in visitors to the island this year it would be impossible to track the source of the infestation.’’
The bugs feed on the blood of sleeping people and animals and hide in dry dark places during the day. An infestation would need to be treated with pesticide.
‘‘Over Easter we did get a couple more reports of bedbugs that somehow missed the eviction notice. We think they’re probably just stragglers, rather than a new infestation, but we’ve re-treated the hut as a precautionary measure,’’ Leppens said.
In March, one of the trampers on the track complained to Stuff about his stay at the North Arm Hut. Dave, who did not want his surname used, said he could not get a good night’s sleep thanks to his fellow trampers scrambling to shake off the critters.
Later that night, people were shaking their gear in the kitchen in a panic, Dave said. The people who had chosen to sleep in the kitchen, rather than the bedbug bunks, ended up sleeping outside.
DOC has issued an alert on its website for the North Arm Hut.
‘‘Huts on the Rakiura Great Walk have been treated for bedbugs. DOC will continue to do everything we can to eliminate the issue. There will be disruptions at times as we undertake building maintenance and further treatments.
‘‘Take every precaution by checking gear to ensure bedbugs are not coming in or out of huts and other accommodation.’’
Leppens said no-one was at fault for the critters.
‘‘Bedbugs are like any other pest – no-one wants them and noone intentionally transports them from place to place and they are no reflection on the hygiene or cleanliness of the home, hut or gear they inhabit.
‘‘We’re working with hikers on how they can be part of the solution. This means thoroughly checking and cleaning all gear before heading off to new locations and in particular airing sleeping bags in bright sunlight.’’
The trampers who had been booked in at the time of the refit have been contacted and have been given the option of camping at the site, or a refund.
The 32-kilometre Rakiura Track is a Great Walk and typically takes three days. It has been particularly busy this summer as Kiwis explored their own backyard while border restrictions have been in place.
‘‘Bedbugs aren’t typically a problem on the island.’’ Ren Leppens DOC Rakiura operations manager